Dont let a breakdown ruin your holiday
Posted by Fiona Birkwood
Holidaying in the UK has become very popular in recent years as more and more Brits look to save money by staycationing rather than shelling out for expensive flights and accommodation abroad.
But, staying in the UK brings its own problems – generally it means joining the UK road network to get to your destination, attractions and then back home at the end of your break.
With all the stress and strain of driving around the UK, the last thing you need is an extended period of time standing at the side of a motorway alongside a car that has decided to give up the ghost.
To avoid the dangers of waiting for a recovery truck or a trusty mechanic, it is crucial to get your car ready to take on the long journeys, particularly when its heavily loaded and packed up to its maximum capacity.
David Williams, chief executive of GEM Motoring Assist, has urged drivers to maintain their cars regularly as "breaking down on a strange road with all the family on board and a car full of luggage with children excited to get to the destination" can be extremely dangerous.
There are a few measures that drivers can take to reduce the risk of breaking down, but you can never be 100 per cent certain that your car will get you to your destination – they are machines after all.
Checking the tyres, brakes, windscreen wipers and screenwash are all recommended practices before a long journey, as well as making sure oil and water levels are topped up prior to setting off.
Of course there are simple things to keep track of while on the road such as the petrol gauge – there's nothing more embarrassing than breaking down because you have run out of fuel.
GEM also advises people heading off on long journeys on roads they don't know to plan their route carefully before hand, and taking a satnav in case something unexpected crops up, like a diversion for roadworks or an accident.
Should disaster strike and your car decides it's had enough, it is important to remain calm as the roadside can be extremely hazardous – if it's possible get your vehicle off the road completely to make sure both you and your passengers are safe and out of danger.
GEM also recommended placing a warning triangle at a suitable distance prior to the scene and switching on the hazard lights to alert other drivers to the situation ahead, as well as making sure every passenger wears a reflective jacket or tabard.
Sitting in a hot car on a warm summer's day can be extremely uncomfortable – the weather will have to improve dramatically for this to happen – but, if it does, then leaving the vehicle is an option.
Finding a place to sit or stand away from the car is crucial as hanging around the vehicle is hazardous, due to the close proximity of high-speed traffic and the level of fumes given off by the cars and trucks on UK roads.
One particular piece of important advice is to tell the breakdown company attending that you have your children on board as this should lead to a speedy recovery.
Of course, with more people holidaying in the UK, and the rise of 'glamping', the number of caravans on the roads is likely to increase and it is crucial that you are aware of the dangers of towing caravans.
Those of you looking to branch out a little and head to Europe on a driving holiday, it is advisable to read up on the latest European road rules as they can be complex and in some cases puzzling.
All in all, don't just pack the kids into the car and head off on holiday, take time to plan your break to make sure you aren't left stranded on the side of a country road or, even worse, one of Britain's 'beautiful' motorways.
